Now that I'm away on vacation for a few days, I'm finding the time to read through The Age of Conversation.
When I first got the book, I went to the pieces penned by friends. Now I'm getting to the essays contributed by people I haven't yet met online. I came across two that are worth mentioning.
David Brazeal hit a nerve in his piece titled "Conversation and the Crumbling Wall Between Journalism and PR." Being a public relations practicioner, the title drew me to it right away.
David says, "Journalists don't do public relations, and public relations people don't do journalism. That's the line we've always drawn."
He goes on to explain how blogging can open up whole new dimensions for people in P.R. We can now, in addition to putting forth the corporate line or that of our clients, put our own ideas into writing for others to see.
This is one of the things I am enjoying about blogging. I can now share my ideas with others, including many who I don't know. And I can get the joy of writing in my own voice -- my opinions, my words. What's more, those words often create comment and,yes, conversation.
Thanks, David, for expressing it so well.
Another essay that hit home is "Do You Talk Write?" by Mike Sansone.
When I began writing my 2 cents, I made the deliberate decision to write in an informal, conversational tone. It's quite a difference from the more formal news releases, pitch letters, reports and proposals I spend much of my workday writing. I find it a refreshing change.
And as Mike says, "Write like you talk and more people will hear what you're writing." He offers some good advice for keeping your blog voice real and interesting.
How real do your think your blog voice is? Does it sound as if you were sitting across the table talking to some friends?
There's lots more in this book, and I recommend you check it out. If you haven't ordered a copy, do it now. Click here for info.
And for a preview, check out Steve Woodruff's heroic effort. He summarizes each of the 103 essays at his Sticky Figure blog.